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Risk Alerts

Summer is prime time for vandals and arsonists
An ounce of prevention can save the day

During the summer months, vandalism, property damage and arson at schools, ESDs and community colleges tends to increase. Anticipate this reality and plan ahead to prevent or lessen damages.

One of the simplest and most productive things you can do is get community and school organizations, neighbors and volunteers educated and involved. Explain your concerns and ask for their help. Ask them to pay special attention to unusual activity and to report any damage they see.

Consider sending a flyer or card home with students to parents before school ends. List police, fire and district personnel phone numbers so community members can first contact the police and then contact district staff.

Contact your local fire and police departments and request that they create sign-up sheets for officer drive-by times, and if possible, ensure that officers patrol district property on foot before, during and at the end of their shifts.

After suspicious activity has been reported to proper authorities, contact SDAO/PACE or your agent if there is damage. The sooner PACE is aware of the situation the sooner we can have the appropriate repairs completed so the next school year can start on time and on a happy note.

Other tips to help you avoid property damage over the summer break:

• Make sure the staff checks vacant buildings every day or every couple of days.
• Keep security systems on in vacant buildings.
• Ensure that police and fire officials know the usual status of lights, gates, locks, etc.
• Illuminate building exteriors and entrances.
• Trim or remove shrubbery and signs that obstruct views of facilities.
• Restrict access to roofs and upper floors.
• Keep school grounds clear of combustible materials such as landscape trimmings, newspapers, left-over paint, old rags and other trash.
• Make sure storage and infrequently visited areas are secure.
• All school fires must be reported to authorities and investigated.
  (ORS 476.210 & .030, OAR 837-040-0010, OFC 401.3)

PACE provides a free arson-prevention kit and DVD. Call 800-285-5461.

Juvenile Firesetters Intervention, in the Office of the State Fire Marshal, offers free publications to help prevent arson. Call 800-454-6125 or send e-mail to judy.okulitch@state.or.us.